Oxford DSc for Professor Paul Bolwell

Posted on 13/03/2012

Paul Bolwell, Emeritus Professor of Plant Biochemistry in the School of Biological Sciences at Royal Holloway, University of London, has received the award of Doctor of Science (DSc) from the University of Oxford for his outstanding original contribution to plant science over the past 30 years.

His research has significantly advanced our knowledge in four main areas of plant sciences: the biosynthesis and structure of the plant cell wall; engineering the structure of the plant cell wall; plant pathogenesis and defensive responses associated with pathogen attack and elicitor treatment; natural antioxidants. His work has been cited more than 6,000 times.

Professor Alan Gange, Head of the School of Biological Sciences, said: "Paul Bolwell has made an immense contribution to the work of the School of Biological Sciences. He was a passionate and brilliant teacher, and a world class researcher, as shown by this most fitting award of a DSc. His research has received a remarkable number of citations, a fitting tribute to the fact that his studies have really advanced our understanding of plant cell wall processes and the responses of plants to invasion by pathogenic fungi."

Until recently, Paul was also editor of the journal Phytochemistry. Despite the debilitating effects of motor neurone disease, Paul was able to attend the ceremony, with his family and close friends, and received the award personally on the 3 March 2012.